I hope you’ll indulge a little personal reflection. Below is an image of the happiest day of my life.
We thought we had it all figured out, but we were so young. I’m 48 now, I’ve been married over half my life and I’m here to tell you we didn’t have a clue. It was so much harder than either of us could have imagined. It was also so much better.
Let me tell you about my bride. We met when I was 22 and I was a mess. I had spent the previous three years drinking my problems away and she was far too good for me. Good thing she didn’t know that. She helped me through my troubles, helped me get sober and got me to go to church for the first time in over 10 years. She was the one who led me to Christ. She’s given me two great sons, walked me through a heart attack. She was the angel that feared to tread when this fool wanted to rush in on too many occasions to count and as a result she saved me from a lot of problems. We’ve weathered a lot of storms together. I’ve often preached this life is a battle and I have a lot of friends, including some pretty tough guys, but there is no one I would rather have had by my side in this battle than her.
She’s been my voice of wisdom (of at least she’s spoken up when I was ignoring the Spirit), my sounding board, my strongest human supporter, my wife, my lover and my best friend. I love her more each day. I’ll be with her ’til God takes me.
And guys that’s the thing. The hearts and flowers of romance and the mountain tops are wonderful and we have had plenty of those times, but it’s the tough times that forge the bond. If we had left the tough times break us, we would have missed the wonder of an amazing life together. Too many people bail just when it’s getting good. The key is really simple. The Bible says “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” It’s you, your mate and Jesus, hold on to each other tight and press on together. The family is God’s main building block in society and, as a result, it regularly comes under attack. Don’t quit, press on (unless your spouse puts you in physical danger).
If you’re not married yet, this is what you’re looking for. Someone who will stand by you in the tough times and love you regardless of circumstances. Follow God’s plan. Live God’s way. Build on Christ’s foundation and weave your three strand cord.
Part of the reason I posted this today is to ask you for prayer. My bride is having surgery tomorrow. It’s routine. She should be out by Saturday and we’re believing God for speedy recovery. I should be fine and totally confident. I trust the Lord, but she’s my bride so I’ll take all the prayer I can get. Please keep my wife Dawn in your prayers.
